Another house?

What? Yep, seriously, we’re thinking of buying a house in Santa Fe. Or at least I’m going to look into it. We still plan to keep the one in Placitas that we’re remodeling, but I just got a new job in Santa Fe and I don’t think it’s going to work for me to do the commute once winter starts.

As you know, I frequently get migraines. Typically they don’t get very bad, so I can continue to sit at my computer and write blogs, or read and write reports, or even coach clients with a moderate migraine. But what I cannot do with migraines is drive at night on freeways. And even if I didn’t have a migraine, that’s an activity that could bring one on, because of the glare and contrast between the headlights and the darkness. So I’ve always avoided commuting on freeways.

Possibly I could take the train or carpool, but I have moved all of my coaching clients into the evenings. I don’t want to quit coaching, and a commute would not leave much time for my clients. Plus, John works long hours, and is often away on travel. So he’s not around much during the week anyway.

I’m really excited about my new job, but honestly, I’m really tired of buying houses. I don’t want to sound ungrateful. I’m glad I CAN buy a house. I feel very lucky and privileged. But I’m just so tired of the process.

And the Santa Fe housing market is an anomaly. It’s a major tourist town with a double economy. Ideally I’d love to buy something small, cute, centrally located, with lots of southwest style. Vigas, kivas, latillas, nichos, saltillo tiles, bricks and Mexican tile! And quaint little high-walled Spanish courtyards!

But those properties are insanely expensive. They are Bay Area California rates ($400- $500+ per square foot), and no one makes Bay Area money here. Those houses aren’t for us locals! Those houses are second homes and vacation properties for well-off people who live out-of-state.

Luckily there are houses in Santa Fe for regular people, with regular state jobs. But they’re just regular houses, without the character that makes Santa Fe famous. And even those regular houses are twice the price of the ones in Albuquerque! I just need to keep my confidence up and my expectations realistic, and it’ll work out.

I bet you’re tired of hearing about houses! And surprise! We’re not done yet! (Oh, you’re not surprised? Well actually, I’m not surprised you’re not surprised.)